Acorn by Synergie&rsquo;s Plymouth branch is celebrating after being named Agency of the Year 2024 by Seetec Pluss, which works alongside the leading UK recruitment specialist to help more people find work locally.
Founded in 1984, Seetec Pluss is a social enterprise&nbsp;working closely with commissioners, local communities and businesses across the UK to empower people from all walks of life to feel good, find work, gain independence and take control of their lives.
As part of this effort, Seetec Pluss has worked in partnership with colleagues at Acorn by Synergie in Plymouth to help empower thousands of people within the town and its surrounding areas to find and progress within their work for the past three years.
Now the benefits that this close working relationship has brought to job seekers in the area have been formally recognised by Seetec Pluss, after it chose Acorn by Synergie as its Agency of the Year out of five recruiters it works with to place people into work locally.
Gemma Fox, Business Manager at Seetec Pluss&nbsp;said: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m over the moon that Acorn by Synergie is our Agency of the Year, it&rsquo;s incredibly well deserved. We have been working with Acorn for the last few years and it&rsquo;s been such a positive experience.
&ldquo;Acorn completely understands what we do, and their input is now like an extension of our team. Working with us enables Acorn by Synergie to fill their vacancies whilst also benefiting our customers who may not have had the confidence to make an application &ndash; long may the relationship continue!&rdquo;
Through partnering with Seetec Pluss, Acorn by Synergie has been able to help people from many different backgrounds and challenging circumstances back into work within the Plymouth area, whilst also fulfilling the objectives of its business clients locally too.
In practice this has meant supporting Seetec Pluss with the delivery of two programmes it runs in Plymouth &ndash; a Restart Scheme to help people build their confidence and skills, and its Work and Health Programme designed to support candidates in achieving their true potential professionally.&nbsp;
Acorn by Synergie&rsquo;s Director of Operations, Noel Hoare, said;&nbsp;&ldquo;This is fantastic news, and everyone at Acorn is thrilled. We have seen first hand here at Acorn by Synergie what a difference the right support can make, and working with an organisation like Seetec Pluss is inspiring and allows us to do what we do best.
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m so proud of our branch manager Xavier Ayling-Brasnell and the team at our Plymouth branch for their ongoing determination and support helping people to achieve brighter futures. Our Plymouth team constantly goes above and beyond to build partnerships to help overcome barriers to employment, and their focus on working to support their communities is relentless.&rdquo;

Acorn by Synergie Plymouth is named by Seetec Pluss as its recruitment agency of the year 

Specialist recruiter S&amp;You has created a new base in Brighton to support its expanding technology division with the ongoing recruitment of elite level talent within the tech sector UK-wide.
Part of the Acorn by Synergie group, S&amp;You was launched in the UK by the leading recruiter in 2023 as a stand-alone brand focused on specialist recruitment of high calibre talent across all tech industries.
As such, the Brighton team will be working alongside S&amp;You&rsquo;s existing Technology Team based in South Wales, and utilising more than 20 years of IT recruitment expertise in the process, to offer a wide range of IT and technology roles at management and director-level for organisations operating in sectors UK-wide.
Mark Standen is one of the Co-Directors responsible for leading S&amp;You, its strategic vision, and also its Brighton-based technology team alongside James Thompson.
With almost 40 years of combined technology staffing experience between them, the pair are now working together to build a market leading talent and advisory business enhancing the way organisations recruit, using the most up to date AI and Automation technologies and provide a new breed of staffing solution through S&amp;You.
 Mark said: &ldquo;After a period of transition, launching the new brand and a stand-alone team under S&amp;You which is focused on the recruitment of high level talent within the UK technology sector, we are absolutely delighted to have now found a permanent home here in Brighton.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re working with a vast network of talent to enrich the way in which fast moving technology like AI and automation is delivered, into an extensive client portfolio working across a wide variety of industries. A vibrant city with transport links to the UK capital, Brighton is the ideal place for us to work from as we look to achieving more of the same in future.&rdquo;
Originally established by Synergie, S&amp;You has successfully delivered services for over 10 years in 23 countries from Canada to France, and was launched in the UK in May 2023 alongside Acorn by Synergie&rsquo;s already successful executive recruiters as a specialist team of dedicated consultants sourcing exceptional talent for businesses looking for high-level employees on a permanent, temporary, contract and statement to work basis.
 It now takes care of Specialist and Executive Recruitment services aimed at clients operating in accountancy and finance, technology, legal, international and other premium sectors, by gaining an in-depth understanding of the cultural and hiring needs of a wide range of businesses looking for strong applicants at the top of their game professionally.
Bernard Ward, Managing Director at S&amp;You&rsquo;s parent company Acorn by Synergie said: &ldquo;We are absolutely thrilled to see S&amp;You making its way in the UK as a stand-alone brand and rapidly gaining its own reputation as a &lsquo;go to&rsquo; source of high calibre talent across a wide range of industries, and are really excited to be a part of such an established brand globally speaking too.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Leading this transformation is our expert technology division, which claims a wealth of industry experience that continues to prove its worth in sourcing the elite level skills required to support the ongoing transformation of an industry which continues to advance at unprecedented levels.&rdquo;
 For more information on roles and services available through S&amp;You visit www.sandyou.co.uk/specialisms/technology/

S&You Technology expands into the South East

<h5>Blue Monday, often referred to as the most depressing day of the year falls on January 15th. This day is said to bring about a combination of post-holiday blues, cold winter weather, and failed New Year's resolutions, leaving many feeling down and unmotivated.</h5>
However, it's essential to remember that happiness is within our control, and with the right mindset and self-care practices, we can overcome the gloom and start the year on a positive note. In this blog, we'll explore some tips to help you beat the blues and embrace a more optimistic outlook on Blue Monday.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/fa3ot43ailslnee8ycy2j6e1gfl9" alt="Accept emotions" width="100%">
<h3>Acknowledge and accept your emotions</h3>
It's perfectly normal to feel a little blue during this time of the year. Recognise and accept your emotions rather than suppressing them. Allow yourself to feel what you're feeling without judgment. Remember, it's okay to have a bad day, but it doesn't define the entire year ahead.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/4rmhq0gpb5vq7nj9a7p1dkzxa1ia" alt="Self-care" width="100%">
<h3>Focus on self-care</h3>
Engaging in self-care activities is crucial for maintaining emotional well-being. Dedicate time to doing things that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it's taking a warm bath, reading a book, going for a walk, or indulging in a hobby, prioritise activities that help you unwind and rejuvenate.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/8623xnzjj9dety7f5w8knivkrxcu" alt="Connect with friends and family" width="100%">
<h3>Connect with loved ones</h3>
Social connections play a vital role in our happiness. Reach out to friends or family members who uplift your spirits. Plan a get-together or have a video call to catch up. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with loved ones can provide comfort and support, reminding you that you're not alone in your struggles.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/372l0rxzigyqkuskbj8889frrzoc" alt="Set realistic goals" width="100%">
<h3>Set realistic goals</h3>
Instead of dwelling on failed New Year's resolutions, set small and achievable goals for yourself. This could be as simple as incorporating daily exercise, practising mindfulness, or learning a new skill. Achieving these smaller goals will boost your confidence and motivation, setting a positive tone for the year ahead.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/2gog8ozr75jjef1epie5ezgs65dj" alt="Gratitude" width="100%">
<h3>Embrace the power of gratitude</h3>
Practising gratitude has a profound impact on our mental well-being. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. Start a gratitude journal or simply make a mental note of three things that bring you joy. Cultivating gratitude shifts your focus from negativity to positivity, helping you appreciate the present moment.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/2ssiwmkbk225aij12801vdujx17x" alt="Get moving" width="100%">
<h3>Get moving</h3>
Physical activity releases endorphins, known as "feel-good" hormones, which can uplift your mood. Engage in regular exercise, whether it's a workout at the gym, a yoga session, or a brisk walk outdoors. Find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine to combat the winter blues.
&nbsp;
<h3>Summary</h3>
While Blue Monday may seem like a challenging day, remember that you have the power to shape your mood and outlook. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can overcome the blues and set the stage for a positive year ahead. Embrace self-care, nurture social connections, set achievable goals, practice gratitude, and stay active. With these strategies in place, you'll be ready to face Blue Monday head-on and maintain a positive mindset throughout the year.
&nbsp;

Battling the Blues on Blue Monday

<h5>Blue Monday, often considered the most depressing day of the year, can be particularly challenging for those who are unhappy in their current jobs or struggling to find employment.</h5>
However, instead of succumbing to the gloom, let's turn this day into an opportunity to take charge of your career and find your dream job. In this blog post, we will share some valuable tips to help you navigate Blue Monday and kick-start your journey towards a fulfilling career.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/yun8mvutcyfmcamoo64u7z9a1bby" alt="" width="1552" height="900">
<h3>Reflect on your passions and skills</h3>
Take some time to reflect on what truly excites you and the skills you possess. Identifying your passions and strengths can help you find a job that aligns with your interests and allows you to thrive. Consider what aspects of your current or previous roles you enjoyed most and what you would like to avoid in future positions.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/6zbjr0bmfgms11taae0fxjbfq01n" alt="" width="1552" height="900">
<h3>Set clear goals</h3>
Define your career goals and aspirations. Establish short-term and long-term objectives that align with your passions and skills. This will provide you with a clear direction and help you focus your job search efforts. Break down your goals into manageable steps, making the process less overwhelming.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/g4bl6xv985eiy1akjxgvyb3u0wld" alt="" width="1552" height="900">
<h3>Update your CV and online presence</h3>
Ensure that your resume is up to date and tailored to the type of job you are seeking. Highlight your key achievements and skills that are relevant to the desired role. Additionally, review your online presence, including your LinkedIn profile and other professional platforms. Make sure they reflect your current skills and experiences and engage with relevant communities to expand your network.
&nbsp;
<img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/jl1aoynelo55pqtttguvsrjlprqj" alt="" width="1552" height="900">
<h3>Expand your network</h3>
Networking is a crucial aspect of finding job opportunities. Reach out to industry professionals, attend virtual networking events, and join relevant online communities. Engaging with like-minded individuals can provide you with valuable insights, connections, and potential job leads. Don't be afraid to ask for informational interviews or advice from those who inspire you.
&nbsp;
<h3>Enhance your skills</h3>
Upskilling or learning new skills can significantly boost your employability. Identify areas where you can improve and invest time in developing those skills. Online courses, webinars, or workshops are great resources to acquire new knowledge. Demonstrating a commitment to personal growth will make you stand out to potential employers.
&nbsp;
<h3>Tailor your job search strategy</h3>
Rather than sending out generic resumes and cover letters, customize your application materials for each job you apply to. Research the company and position, and highlight how your skills and experiences align with their needs. This personalized approach demonstrates genuine interest and increases your chances of landing an interview.
&nbsp;
<h3><img src="https://cdn.sourceflow.co.uk/njxwuzxxxz3unk3uim94uibjurpq" alt="" width="1552" height="900"></h3>
<h3>Stay positive and motivated</h3>
Job hunting can be challenging, and it's easy to become disheartened, especially on Blue Monday. Remember to stay positive and motivated throughout the process. Surround yourself with a support system that uplifts you and keeps you focused on your goals. Celebrate small victories and maintain a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout.
&nbsp;
<h3>Summary</h3>
While Blue Monday may bring a sense of gloom, it can also serve as a catalyst for positive change in your career. By reflecting on your passions, setting clear goals, expanding your network, enhancing your skills, and customising your job search strategy, you can overcome the challenges and find your dream job. Stay persistent, stay positive, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
&nbsp;

Top Tips for Finding Your Dream Job on Blue Monday

Everyone will agree that having to return to work after nine&nbsp;months or more is a daunting experience. In fact, as the weeks, even months, approach the end of your maternity leave, it generally feels like your time as a parent is over, and someone is going to turn up and take your baby away; I&rsquo;ve been back at work for months now, and no-one has arrived to take him yet!
Don't waste your last few months of maternity leave worrying about the inevitable. Here's a few tips to make your return to work as seamless as possible:
<ol>
<li>Use your 'keep in touch' days during your maternity leave Employers offer up to ten paid work days during your leave, which are a great way to stay in touch with colleagues and keep up-to-date with latest products and services your company has launched since you left. They're also a very useful reminder that you still have the ability to do your job. </li>
<li>HR support Meet with your Manager and HR Department to discuss your return dates. Remember you will have accrued holiday whilst you&rsquo;ve been off and this can be used to either extend your leave, or phase your return. </li>
<li>Plan ahead Whatever your childcare options are; family, friends, child-minder or nursery, do your research as early as possible, particularly if you're going for the latter options. So many people told me to book my nursery place before I'd even given birth but, of course that was the last thing on my mind. I am however, advising everyone to do the same. Nursery places are like gold dust - do your research early, decide which nursery you're most happy with, and book your place. </li>
<li>Settling in If you do choose a nursery or childminder as your childcare option, they'll offer you settling in sessions which are great for you and your baby to get used to their new surroundings. These sessions are for your benefit, so always ask for more if you feel you, or your baby need them. </li>
<li>Build your confidence Your employer will be very excited to have you back; you've still got the company knowledge you left with, but now you have a fresh pair of eyes (albeit a little tired). You now have to believe in yourself! Knowledge is key to developing your confidence,&nbsp;so spend some time reading the latest news on your employer's website, flicking through the industry magazines to see what people are talking about, and why not go for a coffee to catch up with your Manager. </li>
<li>Stop feeling guilty If you spend your time in work feeling guilty about your children, and spend your time at home worrying about what you need to do in work, absolutely no-one will benefit, and least of all you. Set your work / life balance and try to stick to it as much as you can.</li>
</ol>
Enjoy this new chapter and good luck from everyone at Acorn.

Returning to work after maternity leave?

Acorn by Synergie, one of the UK&rsquo;s leading recruitment firms, has appointed Harry Lambert as its Divisional Manager for Trades and Labour in the South West.
 An experienced Construction Recruitment Consultant, Harry is well placed to provide skilled and reliable personnel in an honest and professional manner within the Built Environment.
Previously an Associate with Kingston Barnes, Harry has spent the best part of a decade developing key relationships within the recruitment sector regionally, having also worked with Daniel Owen Ltd and Setsquare Recruitment previously too.
Now he will draw on the multiple working partnerships he has fostered within that time to spearhead Acorn by Synergie&rsquo;s Labour and Trades activity across Bristol and the wider South West region.
On his appointment, Harry said: &ldquo;I&rsquo;m absolutely thrilled to be joining Acorn by Synergie and in doing so, progressing on to the next stage of my career. Since I was given a first-class introduction at our Newport headquarters, I&rsquo;ve been doing what I love best, which is being out and about, supporting our candidates in person and generally being present to our client&rsquo;s needs.&rdquo;
&ldquo;I&rsquo;m really excited to see what my future with the company brings, but in the short term I&rsquo;m just keen to get the ball rolling and the word out that the Acorn by Synergie team is here to support businesses across the South-West with all their on site needs.&rdquo;
Acorn by Synergie is a multi-specialist recruitment agency that has been named top recruiter in Wales and ranks in the top 1% of all recruitment firms in the UK.
Bernard Ward, Managing Director at Acorn by Synergie, said: &ldquo;We are over the moon to have welcomed Harry to our team at Acorn by Synergie, and I can&rsquo;t wait to see him put the extensive experience he brings with him into action for the sake of our loyal clients in the South West.
&ldquo;Given the depth of knowledge and the relationships Harry has built up working with firms of all sizes across the region over a number of years, we&rsquo;re excited to see how he will lead the Trades and Labour division and help the wider business continue to go from strength to strength in the process.&rdquo;
Acorn by Synergie has received multiple awards for its outstanding services. It's been recognised as the Best UK Recruitment Firm, and more recently won Wales Business Award for Wellbeing at Work. Since its establishment in Newport, South Wales, in 1992, Acorn by Synergie has successfully placed approximately 2.7 million individuals into jobs.

Harry Lambert appointed as Divisional Manager for Trades and Labour in the South West

What transferable skills do you have to offer?

Acorn by Synergie has signed up to Business in the Community&rsquo;s Opening Doors campaign, joining a growing number of businesses that are changing the way they recruit.
&nbsp;
The current labour market presents a challenge and opportunity for businesses. There are a record number of job vacancies, while three million people that want to find work face barriers to employment (ONS, 2022). We are committed to inclusive recruitment and hiring diverse talent.
&nbsp;
We do this in many ways, including;
<ul>
<li>Partnering with many different organisations to help under-represented groups into work including people with convictions, the homeless and ethnic minorities.</li>
<li>Ensuring that we promote our roles via a variety of different channels for maximum reach.</li>
<li>Educating all our staff via inclusive recruitment and EDI training.</li>
</ul>
To build on this progress so far, Acorn by Synergie has become an Opening Doors employer. Business in the Community&rsquo;s Opening Doors campaign seeks to make 2 million jobs more inclusive by 2025, by calling on employers to make changes to the way they recruit.&nbsp;
Bernard Ward, Managing Director said &lsquo;It&rsquo;s not right that so many people want to work but face barriers. Making our internal and client opportunities accessible to as many people as possible is a key business priority and Opening Doors has provided a framework from which we can review our good practices but more importantly identify areas for improvement&rsquo;.

We are now an Opening Doors inclusive employer!

<h5 class="MsoNormal">The 'net zero target' refers to&nbsp;a government commitment to ensure the UK reduces its greenhouse gas emissions by 100% from 1990 levels by 2050. If met, this would mean the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by the UK would be equal to or less than the emissions removed by the UK from the environment.</h5>
At Acorn by Synergie, we aim to be Carbon Net Zero by 2050.&nbsp;
Scope 1, 2 and 3 are in the process of being addressed. We will be working with our parent company Synergie for a Group-wide response to Carbon Net Zero.

Carbon Net Zero 

Its new offering will sit alongside the UK recruiter&rsquo;s existing services and follows on from its decision to rebrand as Acorn by Synergie earlier this year, further reflecting its position in the UK as part of an international group of companies offering resources management and development services in recruitment globally.
S&amp;You will focus predominantly on permanent specialist recruitment, as a specialist team of dedicated consultants sourcing exceptional talent for businesses looking for high-level employees.
Paul Anscombe, who will be heading up the new brand, said:&nbsp;&ldquo;The landscape for recruitment has changed significantly in the past few years, which has in turn affected the way Acorn by Synergie, as one of the leading recruiters in the UK, now operates too.&rdquo;
&ldquo;A lot of boundaries businesses faced previously in recruiting talent have shifted since the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, and we have been compelled to change the way we work in order to best support our highly valued clients looking to spread their search further as a result.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Our consultants have a genuine desire to positively shape the futures of individuals we engage with and maintain a focus on helping our clients build successful, sustainable businesses via the recruitment of exceptional talent,&rdquo; Paul added.
&ldquo;S&amp;You will help us achieve this for our clients by drawing further on our position as an internationally renowned organisation with a global reach, entirely focused on the recruitment of niche and top-level talent.&rdquo;
S&amp;You will take care of Specialist Recruitment and Executive Recruitment specifically for clients operating in accountancy and finance, technology, legal, health and life sciences and other premium sectors.
The new brand will build on Acorn by Synergie&rsquo;s existing relationships to gain an in-depth understanding of the cultural and hiring needs of a wide range of existing and new business clients looking for strong applicants at the top of their game professionally.
Bernard Ward, Managing Director at Acorn by Synergie, said: &ldquo;The demand from our clients to support them with their executive recruitment needs has grown in recent years to the point where the work required of us has become greater than our current business model allowed.&rdquo;
&ldquo;We have taken the decision, therefore, to separate the work we do for clients seeking higher levels of expertise on an increasingly international scale out and deliver this area of the business under an entirely separate brand.&rdquo;
Acorn by Synergie is one of the UK&rsquo;s leading recruiters with a global outlook and 40 branches operating nationwide, with its own CSR and sustainability strategy in place too. It was also recently recognised for its commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing of its employees as winner of the Wellbeing at Work title at this year&rsquo;s Wales Business Awards.
Bernard added: &ldquo;We know from experience that partnerships thrive on honesty and transparency, and the foundation of our success to date lies in those strong, long-lasting relationships we have worked so hard to forge over the years. The launch of S&amp;You is yet another way we are working to maintain clarity with our highly valued clients and adapting the way we work to better suit their ever-changing needs.&rdquo;&nbsp;
For more information on S&amp;You and the services it provides, visit&nbsp;www.sandyou.co.uk&nbsp;

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